Russel rides a 12-foot-tall bird recognizable as ÒKevinÓ from the movie ÒUpÓ as Carl Fredricksen follows behind him with balloons during the Pixar Play Parade on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The house from the movie ÒUpÓ flies over Sleeping Beauty Castle during the ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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A 14-foot-tall Pixar lamp and giant ball, symbols of Pixar Animation Studios, leads the Pixar Play Parade on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Visitors to Disneyland watch Dory head down Main Street U.S.A.during the Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Russel rides a 12-foot-tall bird recognizable as ÒKevinÓ from the movie ÒUpÓ during the Pixar Play Parade on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Paint the Night Parade passes Carthay Circle at Disney California Adventure on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Redd RockettÕs Pizza Port in Tomorrowland has temporarily been turned into the Alien Pizza Planet from Toy Story for Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Paint the Night Parade travels through Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An alien hangs from the ceiling at Redd RockettÕs Pizza Port in Tomorrowland which has temporarily been turned into the Alien Pizza Planet from Toy Story for Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Russel rides a 12-foot-tall bird recognizable as ÒKevinÓ from the movie ÒUpÓ as Carl Fredricksen follows behind him with balloons during the Pixar Play Parade on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A 14-foot-tall Pixar lamp, a symbols of Pixar Animation Studios, leads the Pixar Play Parade on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

An Incredibles-themed monorail train drives past the main entrance to Disneyland a few days before the start of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Pixar color banners hang from buildings on Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland a few days before the start of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A Nemo-themed monorail train drives past the main entrance to Disneyland a few days before the start of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A new Pixar Fest sign atop the main entrance to Disney California Adventure a few days before the start of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Aliens peek in the window at Redd RockettÕs Pizza Port in Tomorrowland which has temporarily been turned into the Alien Pizza Planet from Toy Story for Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Pixar Fest banners hang from light posts in the plaza area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure a few days before the start of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A new Pixar Fest sign atop the main entrance to Disneyland a few days before the start of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

T-Shirts available during Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Paint the Night Parade travels through Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Special foods available only during Disney’s Pixar Fest 2018. Photo by Marla Jo Fisher

Foods available during Pixar Fest. Note the Woody’s boot that will be filled with root beer. Photo: Marla Jo Fisher

Pixar character charms available during Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Artist’s rendering of the new float that will be added in June to the Paint the Light parade. (Disney•Pixar/Disneyland Resort)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ÒTogether Forever Ð A Pixar Nighttime SpectacularÓ fireworks show at Disneyland on the first day of Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. The show includes projects along Main Street U.S.A. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Sun in your eyes? Here’s a Pixar themed hat that will only cost you $1.2 million. Okay, not really, but you know it won’t be cheap.

Inside Out-themed mouse ears are available during Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Coco-themed mouse ears are available during Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cars-themed mouse ears are available during Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A tumbler with a Toy Story alien, a claw and a green LED is available during Pixar Fest in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Wall-E and Eve mouse ears, that want put next to each other form a heart on one ear, in Anaheim on Thursday, Apr 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Starting Friday, April 13, Disneyland is launching a new summer festival featuring parades, a spectacular new fireworks show with state-of-the-art projections and other events during its first Pixar Fest, running all summer long until Sept. 3.

1 “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular”: This is a fireworks show on steroids that can be viewed from four different areas of the park. It opens with the character Buzz Lightyear from the “Toy Story” movies flying 100 feet above Sleeping Beauty Castle, and continues with huge video projections as well as fireworks and other special effects. See this event from prime viewing locations on Main Street U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America or at It’s A Small World. Each location will see the same projections and hear the same specially recorded music, but will have custom effects, such as lasers and fog. The house from the movie “Up” will fly overhead at one point. Fans of the movie “Coco” will want to look for 10 dancers simulating townspeople from the movie dancing on Main Street rooftops. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and lasts around 12 minutes.

2. Pixar Play Parade: The returning parade has moved to Disneyland with new characters added. It will wend its way through Disneyland, led by a 14-foot-tall Pixar lamp and giant ball, with elements from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars.” Also look for a 12-foot-tall bird recognizable as “Kevin” from the movie “Up” and a new “Inside Out” element. If you buy a Plaza Inn meal package, you can get reserved seating. As you might guess, it’s not cheap. Start times vary on this parade, either 3:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. or both, depending on the date.

3. Like pizza?: “Toy Story” fans should stop by Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Tomorrowland, which has temporarily been turned into the Alien Pizza Planet from Pepperonia for Pixar Fest only. And note that there will be a new Pixar dance party on Tomorrowland Terrace starting June 8.

At Disney California Adventure:

4. Paint the Night Parade: At Disney California Adventure, this after-dark event has more than 1 million sources of light, according to DIsney. There are video screens, a “Monsters, Inc.” float with 17,000 lights, a “Cars” float with Lightning McQueen and a 54-foot-long Mack and a Slinky Dog float from “Toy Story.” Starting in June, an Incredibles float will be added. (Important note: There will be no World of Color show for the immediate future. It is closed for refurbishment.) This lighted parade runs at 8:45 p.m. nightly and some nights also at 10:45 p.m. You can get dining packages with reserved seating at two locations.

5. Special meet-and-greets: Head to Paradise Gardens to look for special character appearances such as Mike and Sulley, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Russell and Dug, Flik and Atta, and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.

6. Annual pass-holder swag: Pass-holders should head to the special AP Corner in Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure until June 8 for special swag with themes that change every two weeks, such as a removable decal. Note that crazy popcorn bucket collectors can buy special popcorn buckets between April 24 and May 24 and use them to get $1 refills until June 21 (until they sell out.)

7. Short flicks: See the collection of Pixar short films screening at the Sunset Showcase Theater, including “For the Birds” and “LAVA.” A great way to take a break and get off your aching feet.

8. New band: Check out the live music in Paradise Garden, where TripleDent Gum will be presenting the seven-piece Pixarmonic Orchestra. The band will be using cowbells, kazoos, whistles, duck calls and other offbeat instruments to play songs from Pixar movies.

At both parks:

9. Get there before the parks open: Really, you’ll want to be there when it’s still cool and not-yet-mobbed. And you can still get a place in the parking garage, which opens 90 minutes before the earliest park opening time. You need to do this. Seriously.

10. Eat weird stuff: If you’ve been yearning all your life to eat a cookie shaped and frosted like a green alien, here’s your chance. Also, check out the root beer float that comes in a souvenir Woody’s cowboy boot at the Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland, the Sulley premium popcorn bucket available at various carts or the Coco chocolate churro at the Frontierland churro cart. There’s also a noodle salad at Lucky Fortune Cookery that changes colors. Seriously.

12. Buy more stuff: Don’t have enough junk … er … collectibles? There’s tons of limited-time swag for sale and also special annual-pass-holder-only stuff to buy at Disneyana, Kingswell Camera Shop and Knick’s Knacks so if you never have enough merchandise, check it out.

Marla Jo Fisher was a workaholic hard news reporter before she adopted two children from foster care at age 46, picked up a scruffy dog along the way and somehow managed to keep them all alive, at least so far. She now writes the Frumpy Middle-Age Mom humor column that appears in the Orange County Register weekly. Due to her status as the cheapest person alive, she also writes about deals and bargains for the Register, including her Cheapo Travel column which also runs in newspapers around the country. When she's not having a nervous breakdown, she's usually traveling somewhere cheaply and writing about it.